Tonic wine maker Buckfast has swiftly defended its reputation and markets after a Member of the Scottish Parliament asked shops in her constituency to stop selling the product.
Cathy Jamieson MSP made the request after a community organisation told her that Buckfast Tonic Wine was often associated with antisocial behaviour in her East Ayrshire constituency. The strong wine has cult status in parts of Scotland, where it is known as ‘Buckie’ by some devotees.
Distributor J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) is concerned the attempt to blame the brand for social problems could damage sales. Tony Joyce, who directs the distribution arm, told The Grocer: “We have sought advice on the legality of a ban under EU rules and domestic licensing
laws. We understand it is unlawful, as well as unfair, to try to prevent sales of a legitimate product in this manner.
“It is a wrongful restraint of trade and anyway it does not address the underlying cause of anti-social behaviour by a minority.”
Made by monks at Buckfast Abbey in Devon since 1880, the wine is intended for sensible drinkers, who sip almost £30m-worth a year worldwide.
Jamieson said her action had been in response to requests from constituents and said that she was not seeking support from the Scottish Executive for a formal ban.
The Co-operative Group is launching the first spirit in the UK to be endorsed by the Fairtrade Foundation, as well as a Fairtrade honey ale.
Launched under the Co-op’s own Fair Trade label, Premium White Rum 70cl: rsp £10.99 and Co-op Fair Trade Bumblebee Honey Ale 500ml: rsp £1.59, will be on shelf in time for the foundation’s Fairtrade Fortnight, which starts on March 1.
The rum is made from ethically sourced sugar cane grown in Paraguay, while the ale is brewed for the Co-op by Freeminer Brewery in the Forest of Dean. Spokesman Brad Hill said: “The Co-op is the UK’s largest fair trade retailer, selling fair trade lines through all 3,000 of our
David Tyler
In the spirit of fair trade

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